Joint counter-terrorism unit conducting raids in Sydney as part of Wakeley church stabbing attack investigation

By Sarah Gerathy

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed by a 16-year-old boy last Monday.(ABC News)

• In short: The joint counter-terrorism team is conducting raids as part of the ongoing investigation into the Wakeley stabbing.
• A 16-year-old boy was charged with a terrorism offence after he allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.
• Four men and a teenage boy have been charged in relation to a riot that broke out after the attack. 

The joint counter-terrorism team (JCTT) is carrying out raids in Sydney as part of the ongoing investigation into last week’s stabbing attack at an Assyrian Orthodox church in city’s south-west.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has described it as a “major operation”.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said ASIO is involved in the operation as it is part of the JCTT along with the AFP, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.

“My officers are connected and involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team,” he said after a National Press Club address.

NSW Police say there is no current threat to public safety and no link to tomorrow’s Anzac Day commemorations.

They say more information will be available later today.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the counter-terrorism “activity” was connected to the ongoing investigation into the Wakeley incident.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to salute the courage of the people involved, and to thank them for their professionalism as well,” he said.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence over the alleged stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a service at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley last Monday night.

Churchgoers held down the boy until he was later arrested by police.

Bishop Emmanuel sustained lacerations to his head and Father Isaac Royel was also injured in the attack, which took place during a service that was broadcast live online.

A riot broke out outside the church after hundreds of people gathered outside after the stabbing and NSW Police said more than 50 officers in attendance were injured.

Police are searching for nine people in relation to the riot that broke out following the stabbing

Five people, including four men and a 17-year-old boy, allegedly involved in the subsequent unrest have been charged by police.

Police have released images of nine other men they want to speak to as part of their investigation.